
Ryan Clark Slams Jerry Jones, Claims Cowboys’ Owner Wasted Dak Prescott’s Prime
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark did not hold back in criticizing Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, arguing that mismanagement has hindered quarterback Dak Prescott during his prime years. On a recent broadcast, Clark singled out decisions affecting both the roster and coaching staff, suggesting that a lack of preparation and resources has prevented the Cowboys from fully capitalizing on Prescott’s talent.
Clark’s Criticism Focuses on Key Decisions
Clark specifically pointed to two major issues: the handling of Micah Parsons during the offseason and the defensive strategy under coordinator Matt Eberflus.
“Jerry didn’t have a decision made for Micah Parsons during the offseason,” Clark said. “He was going to set this football team back. Now Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator, not giving him the pieces to be successful.”
According to Clark, these missteps have compounded over multiple seasons, creating a situation where Prescott has had to shoulder more responsibility without adequate support.
The Micah Parsons Situation
Clark’s comments highlight the importance of Parsons, a dynamic linebacker and defensive playmaker. The lack of offseason decisiveness on Parsons’ role, contract, or usage, according to Clark, limited the team’s ability to optimize its defensive schemes. In Clark’s view, this hesitation affected the team’s overall competitiveness and indirectly impacted Prescott by putting more pressure on the offense.
Defensive Challenges Under Matt Eberflus

Clark also criticized defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, arguing that the scheme and personnel decisions have not equipped the defense to succeed consistently. “Not giving him the pieces to be successful” suggests that structural and roster limitations, rather than individual coaching alone, have contributed to uneven defensive performance.
Prescott’s Prime Years
Ryan Clark framed his criticism around Prescott’s prime years, noting that every quarterback has a window to maximize performance, win games, and compete for championships. Mismanagement of personnel, coaching, and resources can waste that window. Clark believes that, under Jones’ ownership, some of Prescott’s best years may not have been fully utilized due to broader organizational decisions.
Reactions and Debate
Clark’s comments have already sparked debate among fans and analysts. Supporters argue that he raises valid points about ownership decisions and roster management, while critics suggest that Prescott, coaching staff, and other factors also share responsibility for the team’s results.
The discussion underscores a larger conversation about how much influence owners like Jerry Jones should have over football decisions and how organizational structure affects quarterback performance.
Looking Ahead

As the Cowboys move forward, the team will need to address both personnel decisions and strategic planning to fully leverage Dak Prescott’s remaining prime years. Whether Jones takes steps to adjust oversight or continues his current approach will be closely watched by fans, media, and NFL analysts alike.
Ryan Clark’s criticism shines a spotlight on the challenges Prescott has faced and raises important questions about leadership, roster management, and the value of a quarterback’s prime in today’s NFL.
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